pleurerite

Pleurerite is a theoretical mineral concept referring to a hypothetical substance exhibiting properties of both pleochroism and rutilation. Pleochroism describes the phenomenon where a mineral displays different colors when viewed from different angles. Rutilation, on the other hand, refers to the presence of microscopic needle-like inclusions of rutile, which can also create optical effects such as asterism or play-of-color.

The theoretical pleurerite would possess the characteristic of changing color due to its crystal structure, while simultaneously exhibiting optical phenomena like asterism or chatoyancy caused by rutile inclusions. Such a combination of properties is not known in any currently recognized mineral. While many minerals are pleochroic, and some contain rutile inclusions, the specific synergistic effect implied by the term "pleurerite" has not been observed or documented.

The name itself is a portmanteau of "pleochroic" and "rutile." The concept likely arises from gemological or mineralogical discussions exploring the potential for complex optical interactions within mineral crystals. However, as of current scientific understanding, pleurerite remains a speculative term for a mineral that has not been discovered or synthesized. Further research into mineral optics and crystallography might one day reveal a substance that fits this description, but for now, it exists only as a theoretical possibility.